CSD and HKSTP Renew MOU to Advance Smart Prison Initiative and Foster Innovation in Correctional Services

CSD and HKSTP renew MOU to deepen sustainable development of Smart Prison

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) renewed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (July 27) to deepen the sustainable development of Smart Prison in correctional institutions.

The MOU was renewed by the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development), Mr Leung Ka-lun, and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Terry Wong. Under the MOU, both parties will jointly explore innovative solutions in three aspects over the next three years, including the identification and matching of market-proven innovative solutions by the HKSTP to address the CSD's operational needs and challenges, as well as arranging regular meetings and exchanges between the CSD and the innovation and technology industry and academia to create more collaboration opportunities and nurture innovative mindsets within the CSD. Furthermore, both parties will continue to utilise the jointly established "Penal Lab", where tailor-made innovative solutions targeting the needs of the CSD by the innovation and technology industry can be tested, facilitating the introduction of innovation and technology products to correctional facilities.

Mr Leung said that the CSD will, as always, actively support the Government's policies in promoting the Smart City and the development of innovation and technology by incorporating the Smart Prison initiative into its strategic development plan, striving to modernise correctional facilities and services with the use of innovative technologies. He expressed confidence that with the HKSTP's capabilities and experience, coupled with the CSD's determination to promote the application of innovation and technology and high-quality development, the deepened collaboration will generate more "smart" proposals to enhance the operational efficacy and service quality of the CSD.

Mr Wong said that the HKSTP is pleased to renew the MOU with the CSD to further explore technology adoption in various areas, jointly promoting innovative applications and nurturing innovation and technology talent with the CSD. The HKSTP will connect with park companies to inject smart elements into the modernisation of correctional facilities, addressing the CSD's operational needs and challenges by leveraging innovative solutions. At the same time, it will provide potential innovation and technology companies with opportunities to validate scientific research products and solutions, creating a win-win situation.

The CSD and the HKSTP signed the first three-year MOU in 2023. Both parties have achieved gratifying results in identifying and matching market-proven innovative solutions for the CSD, arranging regular meetings and exchanges between the CSD and the innovation and technology industry and academia, and establishing the "Penal Lab" in a correctional facility.

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) renewed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding today (July 27) to deepen the sustainable development of Smart Prison in correctional institutions. Photo shows the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development), Mr Leung Ka-lun (front row, first right), and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Terry Wong (front row, second right), being briefed by a representative of a technology venture on a tailor-made innovative solution targeting the needs of the CSD. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Correctional Services Department and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) renewed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (July 27) to deepen the sustainable development of Smart Prison in correctional institutions. Photo shows the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development), Mr Leung Ka-lun (right), posing with the Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Terry Wong (left), after the renewal of the MOU. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA launches quantum preparedness whitepaper and index to support banking sector's readiness for quantum era

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (July 27) the launch of the Whitepaper on Quantum Preparedness of Hong Kong's Banking Sector, together with the first Quantum Preparedness Index (QPI) and relevant support measures for the industry, at the eighth edition of the FiNETech series (FiNETech8)[Note 1]. The Whitepaper and the QPI were developed under the HKMA's Fintech Promotion Blueprint[Note 2], with the aim of enhancing the banking sector's understanding of the implications of quantum computing and supporting early preparation for quantum-related cyber risks.

The Whitepaper covers a survey conducted in early 2026, which suggests that awareness of quantum-related developments is building across the sector. Based on the survey findings, the HKMA released the first QPI. As a forward-looking benchmark, the QPI is assessed across four key dimensions: Awareness, Planning, Pilots and Practical Preparedness.

The initial QPI score is 2.3 on a 10-point scale, reflecting the sector is at an early stage of preparedness, and currently focused on laying the foundation for the quantum era. During the transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), banks should also continuously enhance their cyber resilience, tech maturity and innovation capabilities.

Regarding the current state of play, around 68 per cent of the banks surveyed demonstrate awareness or are progressing to planning or piloting stages, while 32 per cent have not yet embarked upon their transition journey. Furthermore, preparedness for the transition to PQC remains uneven, with around half of the banks surveyed having no formal post-quantum planning in place.

The survey also indicates that, while quantum computing is still in its initial phase, some banks have started to engage with both the opportunities and implications of quantum technologies, albeit practical implementation remains limited. Around half of surveyed banks reported that quantum computing had been discussed at board level. In addition, about one-third of all surveyed banks indicated that they had already begun exploring or piloting quantum-related initiatives.

The HKMA will continue to support the banking sector's PQC transition, with the aim of achieving full sectoral readiness (a QPI score of 10) by 2030 through practical guidance, training and industry engagement. Relevant measures include:

• A PQC toolkit, to be co-developed in collaboration with the School of Business and Management of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the industry, designed to assist banks in identifying priorities for transition planning and enhancing cryptographic agility; and
• A series of workshops to help banks build capability, strengthen preparedness for PQC, and explore the potential future use of quantum technologies in a responsible manner.

The full Whitepaper, including detailed QPI findings and recommendations, is available on the HKMA website.

[Note 1]FiNETech8 was co-hosted by the HKMA, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Fintech Association of Hong Kong and the School of Business and Management of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. For details about the FiNETech series:

https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2024/04/20240426-4/

[Note 2]Fintech Promotion Blueprint,HKMA (2026)

https://www.hkma.gov.hk/media/eng/doc/key-information/press-release/2026/20260203e3a1.pdf

HKMA launches quantum preparedness whitepaper and index to support banking sector's readiness for quantum era Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKMA launches quantum preparedness whitepaper and index to support banking sector's readiness for quantum era Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases